The next morning, Anthony was waiting for Kate. It wasn't dawn yet and everything was still painted in a dark blue hue. Anthony was trying to control his fidgeting. He wanted to change her opinion of him and was thinking about possible topics of conversation. After a while, he heard a horse galloping and raised his head to see Kate. Did she have to look so glorious?
He tipped his head as she neared him, and she tilted her head in acknowledgement. He joined her and greeted. "Good morning, Miss Sharma."
"You promised me you won't speak a word, my lord." Kate replied with a smile playing on her lips. Anthony frowned and started to speak only to be interrupted again.
"Ah, ah! I thought a gentleman's word is as good as his bond. Aren't you a gentleman?"
Anthony's lips curled down. Why was he raised a gentleman? Was he not to speak a single word the entire time? Why had he agreed to this? He didn't suggest this nonsense himself, did he?
Both were riding at a steady pace now side by side. He glanced at her and saw gold earrings caressing her skin. He sighed. He was envious of a bloody earring. It was truly maddening how she affected him.
Around him, the sun was slowly scattering its light and restoring colors. His eyes were fighting with each other to get a glimpse of her in the morning light. Riding in silence might not be so bad, he thought. They spent the rest of the time in companiable silence.
…
The next morning, he brought a single lily flower with him and gave it to Kate. She stared it and asked, "Is that for me?"
"Yes."
"You sent tulips for me yesterday."
"Yes." He had wanted to send flowers for Edwina and Mrs. Sharma too but didn't because he didn't want it to be misconstrued.
"Why are you doing this?" Kate frowned. "I am not going to give you permission to court my sister."
"I do not want permission to court your sister. I am looking for permission to court you." Anthony pleaded with his eyes. "My feelings are genuine, Miss Sharma. I feel this spark with you, and I want to get to know you."
Kate was more than annoyed. She couldn't believe his audacity. He had first concocted some master plan with Mr. Dorset and when that didn't work, he was pretending to court her himself. She pushed down the part of her that hoped he really had feelings for her. It would be silly of her to dream that. She was not going to let him make a fool of her or her sister.
"I do not tolerate liars, Lord Bridgerton." Kate stated and raced as fast as she could from him.
Anthony blinked. What lie did he say? He leaned forward and followed Kate. He called out her name a few times, but she didn't stop. It was a dejected Anthony who came to the Bridgerton House later.
His family was sitting together, whispering with each other. Were they having another family meeting without him? He frowned. Colin looked up at Anthony's arrival and said, "We don't know how she got the information."
"What are you talking about?" Anthony asked apprehensively. Violet gave him the latest copy of Lady Whistledown silently and he took it with a pang of dread.
If what this author has heard is true, then Miss Kate Sharma has caught the attention of this year's most eligible catch Viscount Bridgerton. Yes indeed, dear reader, Viscount Bridgerton is interested in courting Miss Kate Sharma, the spinster and not Miss Edwina Sharma, the diamond. From what this author has observed, the only lady not interested in Bridgerton seemed to be Miss Kate Sharma. In fact, her demeanor towards the Viscount borders on the hostile.
And that is why, Dear Reader, this Author feels that a match between the two would be just the thing to liven up this year's season.
"There seems to be a spy in our house." Colin said, eyeing all his family members.
Anthony shrugged. This was nothing compared to what Whistledown wrote after his almost wedding with Edwina. At least now Kate might believe that his feelings were real.
…
In the Danbury House, Kate was pacing, and Edwina was going through the Whistledown column again.
"Do you think-" Edwina started.
"Of course, that is exactly what I think." Kate fumed. "He is trying to take revenge on me."
"Oh God, Didi! I meant to ask if you think he fell in love with you at the races?"
"Don't be absurd, bon. We have met very few times and I defeated him soundly at the races. He didn't like to lose and is finding some way to get even. I have to find out what he is playing at so that I can defeat him again." Kate sat down heavily near Edwina.
"No one thinks like that, Didi. Lord Bridgerton seems to be a genteel sportsman."
"Bon, just before the races, the Viscount came to this house to call on you. You told me he expressed interest in you when you danced together. At the races, he manipulated Lumley and me so that he could spend time with you. Then suddenly after I defeat him, he decides to show his interest in me. What do you think happened?"
"The whole thing does seem rather strange, but maybe he fell in love with your cheering. He might like women who whistles and hollers loudly."
Kate gave her sister a sullen look. "Are you trying to admonish my behavior at the game?"
"I did not say anything and it does seem to have got the attention of a Viscount. So, who am I to admonish?"
Kate shook her head. Her sister was making fun of her now and it was all because of that man.
…
The Bridgerton arrived at the Ashbourne Ball that night. Violet was advising Eloise to give the gentleman present a chance and Eloise was daydreaming about the column she might print. Anthony came in and surveyed the crowd for Kate. Violet pulled him aside and asked, "Are you set on Miss Kate Sharma?"
"She is who I shall marry, mother."
Violet sighed. "Do not tell me that sentence again without getting to know the lady. This is serious, Anthony. You cannot change your decision after two days."
"I won't." Anthony said annoyed. Hadn't he stuck by his decision to marry Edwina the last time even after he fell in love with her sister? You would think his family had more faith in him.
"Then, I'm going to invite Lady Danbury and the Sharmas to Aubrey Hall a few days before the rest of the ton."
Anthony nodded. It seemed like there were some things that were always meant to happen. He just had to make sure he doesn't propose to the wrong sister this time.
…
Kate was regretting coming to the ball. She had been subjected to many calculating looks and slighting remarks. All she had wanted was for Edwina to get a good suitor. Viscount Bridgerton was becoming a big hurdle in her objectives. Kate wasn't able to put her full focus on Edwina's matchmaking. Edwina hadn't really showed keen interest in anyone yet, but Kate had her hopes on Lumley. He was sweet and could take care of Edwina well. Edwina was impressed with his poetry and knowledge of literature too. They both were in the dance floor now, smiling at each other. As she was watching them, a hush fell over the crowd. She turned her to see the Viscount coming towards her. She reminded herself that she can't kill him in front of everyone. Perhaps next time, she could sneak in some poison to add into his drink.
"Miss Sharma" Anthony bowed.
"Lord Bridgerton" Kate forced herself to curtsy.
"You are looking exquisite tonight." Wait, was that the compliment Daphne had asked him to mention to the lady he was interested in or was it the compliment he was advised to avoid? Well, he already said it. He can't take the words back. Looking at Kate's expression, it might have been the remark to avoid.
"Thank you, Lord Bridgerton." Kate replied with a grim smile, aware of all the ears listening to them.
"Do you want to take a turn around the room?"
Kate spared a glance to Edwina and Mary. Assured that Mary will keep an eye on Edwina, she agreed to his request and took his offered arm. "I'll be delighted, my lord." She said with gritted teeth. Her heart stuttered the next moment though. Her assent had been rewarded with a dashing smile and dark smoldering eyes. She chanted to herself that she was in the presence of a rake, and she had to be careful.
They walked to a place which gave them a little privacy. The crowd could still look at them and they were looking, but they couldn't hear them.
"I know what you are up to." Kate whispered angrily.
"You read Lady Whistledown's column." It seems like Whistledown has finally done something good in his life. She had convinced Kate of his interest.
"Yes, and I understood your intentions very well."
"Miss Sharma, I cannot tell you how much this means to me. It is truly maddening how much you consume my very being. I have never met another one like you." Anthony had already said this to her, but she didn't know. She didn't remember and it has to repeated again. She must know.
Kate understood the situation all too well. He was humiliated to have lost in front of Edwina and his old Oxford friend. It consumes him so much now that he was trying to make the whole ton go against her. Well, that wasn't going to work.
"If you don't want me to strangle you in front of everyone, I think it is time for me to walk away from you, my lord. You'll never get what you want." Kate turned and walked away with her head held high.
Anthony's heart was breaking, and he was trying his best to control his expressions. The ton was still watching their interactions. He hadn't expected Kate to reject him outright so soon. He didn't want to be an unwanted suitor like Berbrooke was to Daphne last season. He didn't know what else to do to win Kate too. Were they not meant to be together? Had he really imagined the whole thing? He walked to the refreshments table dejected. He didn't notice anyone else until a voice called him out, "Lord Bridgerton!"
He turned to see Edwina near him. "Miss Edwina Sharma." He greeted her apprehensively. This was not good. He looked around to search for Kate.
"My sister just stepped out. It looks like you were having an argument. She is a very smart woman, my lord. I don't understand why she is having the most ridiculous notions now."
Anthony frowned. Why did everyone have a hard time accepting the fact that he had feelings for Kate? "Your sister has the right of it. It is not a ridiculous notion."
Edwina stared at the Viscount. "She has the right of it? Did you start a rumor about you being interested in Kate as a part of a master plan to get revenge on her?"
It was Anthony's turn to stare. "What are you talking about, Miss Sharma?"
"Kate thinks that you were upset about Nectar losing to High Flyer the other day, and concocted some great plan to bring her humiliation."
"Do not be cruel to me now, Miss Edwina. I'm already sad about your sister's rejection." Anthony poured himself a drink.
"I'm telling you the truth, my lord. I saw how you looked at my sister when you came in. I don't know what happened, but I know you love her. I can recognize a look of true love. My sister doesn't believe you though. She really thinks you are playing some sort of game with her."
"That's ridiculous!"
"I did say that." Edwina looked into Anthony's eyes and asked, "Do you love my sister?"
Anthony gulped. He had never really admitted it to anyone else, but it was the truth. "Yes, very much."
"Do you promise to respect her and take good care of her?"
"Yes, of course."
Edwina's shoulders relaxed. "Love moves swiftly, does it not? My sister deserves so much love and happiness, my lord. I hope you give her that."
"I am not perfect, but I will humble myself before her, and give her everything I can."
Edwina sighed happily. "My sister is getting her true love story and a happy ending. It is a fairytale come true. You have indeed made me a very happy person, my lord. I will talk to Kate about you tonight."
Anthony nodded gratefully and excused himself. He has to find Kate now and ask what she was thinking. Did he seem to be the type of man who will disrespect a lady for being upset about some insignificant competition?
Violet and Lady Danbury watched as Anthony tried to reach Kate and Kate maneuvered so that he could never come near her. Lady Danbury admitted, "I did not foresee this match. We didn't really expect Kate to find a good match at her mature age."
Violet smiled at her son, "My son is acting like a fool in front of everyone. You know what this means. My son has fallen in love."
All Lady Danbury could feel was concern. Kate Sharma was obstinate, much like the Viscount, and she had already decided not to marry. This could either be a comedy or a tragedy. It was all in Kate's hands. Lady Danbury replied, "Well, the Viscount is certainly interested. It is Miss Sharma's opinions we cannot be sure of. We have to put our matchmaking skills to good use now. Hopefully, the stay at Aubrey Hall results in an engagement."
